Clusia rosea
autograph tree
A semi-epiphytic, tropical shrub or small tree to 3m tall, considerably less when grown as a houseplant. It has particularly thick, glossy leaves and stout stems. Funnel-shaped, white or pink flowers are produced in the summer on mature plants, but are unlikely to be seen on potted specimens
Other common names
copeyfat pork tree
see morepitch apple
star of night
balsam apple
balsam fig
Scotch attorney
Synonyms
Clusia major misapplied
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Clusiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
A genus of around 300-400 species of evergreen shrubs, vines and trees with thick, sometimes succulent-like glossy, leathery foliage. Funnel-shaped flowers produced in some species vary in colour from white, yellow or pink to red, but these are often only produced in more warm and humid conditions
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Trop. & Subtrop. Am.
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added leaf mould and grit, in bright filtered light with shade from hot sun. Water freely in summer and keep barely moist in winter. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser weekly when in growth up to flower bud formation. Do not repot regularly as these plants resent root disturbance and need a restricted root run to encourage flowering
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings with bottom heat in summer, or by air layering in spring or summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
See pruning group 1; pruning will encourage branching and bushiness
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects and mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.